1 C1 idiomatic informal
To plan and calculate the timing of an activity so that it ends exactly when needed.
"If we time it out carefully, the fireworks will start exactly as the clock strikes midnight."
separable
time it out
C1 informal separable transitive
To calculate or plan something so that it fits exactly within a specific time period.
In plain English
To figure out the exact timing so everything finishes at the right moment.
What does "time it out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic neutral
To allow a process to run until a time limit is reached, after which it stops automatically.
"The app will time it out after five minutes of inactivity and lock the screen."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To measure the time until something runs out or ends.
Actually means
To figure out the exact timing so everything finishes at the right moment.
Usage tip
The 'it' is often retained as a dummy pronoun even when an object is present. Used in project planning, event organising, and broadcasting. Informal and conversational in tone.
Words that pair with "time it out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
schedule presentation speech race journey broadcast
How to conjugate "time it out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
time it out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
times it out
he/she/it
Past simple
timed it out
yesterday
Past participle
timed it out
have + pp
-ing form
timing it out
continuous
Hear "time it out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "time it out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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